News
Naming of new Georgian PM postponed until Saturday
Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili has again postponed the naming of his successor, saying it needs to be discussed in the Georgian Dream political council first. Ivanishvili said Monday at a press conference that he hopes the candidate for new prime […]
New Georgian president will be sworn in Nov 17
Newly elected president Giorgi Margvelashvili will be sworn in November 17. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s new president will sworn in on November 17. The location of the inauguration and other details are unknown. After the swearing-in ceremony, the new president will be empowered to use his authority granted by the Constitution, and the […]
Margvelashvili won among Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan
Giorgi Margvelashvili from Georgian Dream won a majority of votes also among Georgian ISAF-soldiers in Afghanistan. (CEC.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Dream candidate Giorgi Margvelashvili received most votes among Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan. Margvelashvili won over Davit Bakradze, from the National Movement, at two election precincts for Georgian soldiers serving in the NATO-led […]
Margvelashvili celebrates as Bakradze concedes defeat
Giorgi Margvelashvili Sunday night greeted jubilant supporters at the Georgian Dream coalition’s headquarters. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Giorgi Margvelashvili thanked all his supporters and Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili Sunday night, after exit polls showed he had won the Georgian presidential election in the first round. “Thanks to every citizen […] to the members of [my campaign] staff, […]
Margvelashvili 62%, Bakradze 22%, as 95% of votes counted
Giorgi Margvelashvili (left) had 62 % support as 95 % percent of votes were counted. Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili (right). (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Dream candidate Giorgi Margvelashvili has received 62 percent of the votes in the Georgian presidential election after 95% of the votes have been counted, Georgia’s Central Election Committee (CEC) announced. This is slightly less than two […]
Exit polls show Georgian Dream winning in first round
Two exit polls show that Georgian Dream candidate Giorgi Margvelashvili has won the presidential election. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian Dream coalition’s candidate Giorgi Margvelashvili is predicted to win Georgia’s presidential election in the first round. Two exit polls show Margvelashvili winning clearly. According to an exit poll by the German company GFK on the order of […]
Low voter turnout, but election’s legitimacy not in question
At 3 pm Sunday voter turnout was 32%, 13 less than last year. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Despite low turnout, the legitimacy of today’s election is not in question, says Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC). By 15:00, 32 percent had voted. In 2012’s parliamentary election, the turnout at 15:00 was 45 percent. A spokesperson for […]
Candidates cast their vote in Georgian presidential poll
Giorgi Margvelashvili said Georgia held an unprecedented peaceful election. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The main candidates in Georgia’s presidential election Sunday cast their vote. Giorgi Margvelashvili from the Georgian Dream coalition arrived at the precinct with his daughter. He said he has voted for a step forward for Georgia. Margvelashvili […]
Voter turnout at noon highest in Racha and Guria
Frontrunner Giorgi Margvelashvili from Georgian Dream. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–At noon, voter turnout in Georgia’s presidential election was highest in the Racha region (29%) in the mid north part of the country and in Guria (24%) in the south west. Overall turnout at noon was 17 %, as just over 600 000 out of 3.5 million who are […]
Burjanadze thanks interior minister for not interfering
Nino Burjanadze rallying supporters in Telavi October 24, 2013. (Photo published on Burjanadze’s Facebook page.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Nino Burjanadze, presidential candidate and leader of the Democratic Movement, on Saturday sent an open letter of thanks to the interior minister which was published by the media. A day before the election, she sent a ‘thank you’ letter […]
Georgia goes to the polls to elect its fourth president
Voting-papers being prepared at precinct no 4 in Tbilisi on Sunday. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Today, Georgia is holding presidential election. This is the sixth presidential election in the country, but since Mikheil Saakashvili and Eduard Shevardnadze were elected twice, people will elect the fourth president of Georgia. There are 23 candidates […]
1500 prisoners will be able to vote in Georgia’s election
1 576 prisoners will be entitled to vote Sunday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Media outlets registered with the Central Election Commission (CEC) will have the right to observe the election in prisons. 1 576 prisoners and detainees are entitled to vote. The Prison Ministry on Saturday expressed full readiness to conduct the […]
South Ossetia blocks Georgians from crossing in order to vote
New razor wire marks the Russian-imposed border line in Ditsi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The de facto South Ossetian government has imposed restrictions for Georgian citizens along the demarcation line. The Interior Ministry on Saturday issued a statement expressing concern about the de facto government’s decision. The Ministry recalls […]
Over a thousand foreign observers for Georgia’s election
Voters waiting in line in last year’s parliamentary election. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–60 local and 65 international organizations will observe Sunday’s presidential election. The Central Election Commission published information about the observers on Saturday, after finishing the process of registration of organizations and media. […]
Guards protecting election posters in prison
Sozar Subari. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Special guards are protecting election posters of one of the presidential candidates in a prison, to prevent prisoners from tearing them down. Under Georgian law, every person who is detained but has not yet received a verdict, and those who have […]
Ivanishvili promises Georgians a fair election
Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili Friday delivered his address to voters two days before the presidential elections, saying that in the last twenty years, this is the first time people have a chance to change their president through election. The […]
‘Goodbye, President!’
Outside the president’s residence in Avlabari, Tbilisi. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A movement called Patriots held a small rally on Friday to say goodbye to President Mikheil Saakashvili and thank him for his nine years of service. A few tens of people came carrying posters and flags outside Saakashvili’s official residence in […]
Break-in attempt at election precincts in Georgia
TBILIISI, DFWatch–Unknown people Friday night attempted to break into two election precincts in Nadzaladevi, a district in Tbilisi. Police detained them before they managed to break in. The precincts were not damaged. The reason for the break-in attempt is not yet […]
Former intelligence official detained for election fraud
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Ministry of Internal Affairs in Georgia Friday detained the former chairman of the Constitutional Security Department (known as Kudi) of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, who is accused with organizing election fraud. Temur Pataridze is charged […]
Saakashvili grants citizenship to \more Georgians in Turkey
Outgoing President Mikheil Saakashvili on a previous trip to Turkey. (Photo published by the president’s administration.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Saakashvili has granted Georgian citizenship to more than a thousand Turks. According to the State Service Development Agency, Saakashvili granted citizenship to Turks under special rules, which means that they will receive citizenship […]
Ivanishvili to name successor next week
Outgoing Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says he will name his successor on Tuesday or Wednesday next week. Giorgi Kvirikashvili, the economy minister and one of the possible candidates, is now excluded from the list, going by what the PM said, […]
NATO envoy compliments Georgian defense minister
James Appathurai. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO envoy James Appathurai compliments Georgia’s defense minister in a Facebook update after meeting him on Thursday. Defense Minister Irakli Alasania participated in NATO’s ISAF meeting on Thursday at NATO headquarters. After the meeting, he met […]
Georgia’s foreign trade shifts toward export
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover fell by a negligible 0.1 percent in the first nine months of 2013, compared to last year, to USD 7 585 million. USD 2 019 out of this was export, which is 14 percent more than last year, while the import was USD 5 […]
Poll shows Georgia’s election heading for a second round
TBILISI, DFWatch–According to a new survey conducted by the American company Greenberg, Quinlan, Rosner Research, 43 percent would vote for the Georgian Dream candidate Giorgi Marvelashvili, while 23 percent would vote for the National Movement party’s Davit […]
Georgian Dream gets 58% in new poll
Giorgi Margvelashvili, Georgian Dream candidate for president. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–According to a survey conducted by Research and Consult Center Psiqo Proeqti, 57.6 percent support the Georgian Dream coalition candidate for president, Giorgi Margvelashvili, while 11.8 percent support Davit Bakradze, the National Movement candidate. […]
Uncertainty about plans for new mosque in Batumi
The Mosque in Khulo, Adjara. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–In the center of Batumi stands the large Ortajame Mosque. It was built in the 1860s, and Muslims gather here for Friday prayers. The problem is, there isn’t enough room for everybody inside, so many people are having to conduct their prayers outside. […]
Council of Europe elections observers arrive in Georgia Friday
TBILISI, DFWatch–A delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will arrive in Georgia October 25 for a three day visit to observe the presidential election. Until Election Day, October 27, the 26 delegation members will meet with the […]
Respecting human rights in Georgia
I am writing this letter in response to the letter published in Kviris Palitra and Georgian Journal under the title “Respecting Georgian Traditions”. I am a Georgian citizen, an attorney, and the producer of the show "Georgian Legend," which introduced traditional Georgian singing and dance to millions of people around the world. As all who know [...]
Bildt and Sikorski encourage Georgia’s EU integration
Radoslaw Sikorski, Foreign Minister of Poland, Bidzina Ivanishvili, Prime Minister of Georgia, and Carl Bildt, Foreign Minister of Sweden. (Ivanishvili’s Facebook page.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili on Wednesday met with the foreign ministers of Sweden and Poland. The meeting was closed to the media, but a joint press conference was held afterward. The PM said the guests were interested in the ongoing political […]
Labor Party leader threatens to rally supporters after election
Labor Party leader and candidate for president Shalva Natelashvili. (Photo posted on Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Labor Party leader and candidate for president Shalva Natelashvili says he will start protest rallies if he loses the upcoming election, but if he wins Georgia will ‘brighten.’ On Monday, Natelashvili presented his election program, and said that […]
Saakashvili moves out of unofficial residence
President Mikheil Saakashvili has moved out of his house in northern Tbilisi. (President’s Facebook page.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili on Tuesday moved out of their house in the Didi Dighomi district of Tbilisi and moved into a house in the city center. Saakashvili and his wife Sandra Roelofs personally took part in the moving. The First Lady said most […]
New commission will study Lapankuri border shooting
TBILISI, DFWatch–A newly appointed commission will next week start studying a special operation which claimed 14 lives on the Georgia-Russia border in August 2012. The incident took place in the last few months of Saakashvili’s government. After the change of government […]
Depardieu on low key visit to Tbilisi
Gérard Depardieu stayed at the restaurant Puris Sakhli in Tbilisi for about one hour. (Photo posted on Facebook by the restaurant.) TBILISI, DFWatch–French actor Gérard Depardieu, who recently became a Russian citizen, was spotted at a restaurant in Tbilisi yesterday. Depardieu arrived Monday morning at Tbilisi airport, and it was first reported that he stayed in the transit area […]
A sixth depot of undistributed refugee supplies discovered
(Refugee Ministry.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Refugee Ministry says there has been discovered a sixth depot where equipment, home appliances and various supplies for refugees has been kept since 2008. The humanitarian goods were this time discovered in Bolnisi. The goods should have been […]
Ivanishvili to name candidate for Tbilisi mayor
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says he will name his preferred candidate for Tbilisi Mayor before he leaves his post. In an interview with Imedi TV, the PM explained that before leaving office, he may agree with the party council about who that […]
Number of charged and convicted fell 59% in Q3
TBILISI, DFWatch–The number of people charged with or convicted of a crime has been reduced by 59.3 percent in the third quarter of 2013, compared to the same period last year, according to the Prison Ministry. The number of people charged or placed in jail […]
More than 150 prisoners recommended for pardon
Public Defender Ucha Nanuashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The pardon commission has sent the president a list of more than 150 prisoners who they recommend be pardoned. Public Defender Ucha Nanuashvili told journalists after a commission session on Sunday that 120 of the prisoners will be released […]
Georgian soldiers cast their vote in Afghanistan
(Ministry of Defense.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian soldiers serving in the NATO-led ISAF mission have voted at two precincts in Afghanistan. Usually, elections are held in Afghanistan a few days before Election Day, which this year is October 27 for Georgia and for all the other voting […]
Storm on Georgia’s Black Sea coast causes damage
Batumi. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A storm on the Black Sea coast damaged the boulevard in the Georgian resort city Batumi Sunday and caused 400 meters of a running path to collapse. According to Batumi Mayor Jemal Ananindze, it could cost several million lari to repair the damaged […]
In Georgia, rallies continue against Russian policy
People rallied in Telavi (pictured) and 24 other places against Russia’s policy toward Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Rallies against the ‘creeping occupation’ and the Sochi Winter Olympics continue in Georgia. Saturday, there were protests in 25 different cities and towns all over the country. Despite the rain, youth protested in Batumi, a city on the Black Sea […]
3.1 million voters registered ahead of Georgia’s election
Eka Azarashvili, spokesperson for the Central Election Commission. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Central Election Commission (CEC) annonced Saturday that there are 3 537 719 registered voters ahead of the October 27 presidential election in Georgia. Ekaterine Azarashvili, press spokesperson for CEC, said at a press conference that the number […]
Georgian candidates confront each other in two TV debates
National Movement candidate for president, Davit Bakradze. (Channel 1.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Public Broadcaster October 17 and 18 hosted two TV debates between presidential candidates. Only qualified subjects participated in the debates, those who were presented by the political parties, which receive state funding. There are […]
Georgia’s foreign trade was stable Jan-Sept 2013
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover in January to September fell by 0.1 percent, compared to the same period last year. The total amount of turnover in the first ten months this year was USD 7 585 million. USD 2 019 million out of this was export, which […]
New details in death of Georgian PM
From a demonstration two years ago. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–There are new details in the investigation into the death of former Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania in 2005, which may change the official version of how he died. Brother of the deceased PM, Giorgi Zhvania, says that important new evidence has come […]
Opposition politician to sue Ivanishvili for USD 600 mill
Giorgi Targamadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The leader of Christian Democrats plans to sue against Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili for defamation and will demand one billion lari (USD 600 million) in compensation. Ivanishvili Thursday met with newspapers editors to talk about the upcoming […]
Ivanishvili confident ahead of presidential election
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili appeared full of confidence while meeting newspaper editors Thursday, vowing that his coalition, Georgian Dream, is going to win the presidential election. Ivanishvili said he is sure that there won’t be a need […]
Georgia’s CEC lifts partial photo ban at election precincts
Voters in line in last year’s parliamentary election. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Central Election Commission has lifted restrictions on the use of photo and video cameras at election precincts. In a statement, CEC writes that it has revoked a resolution by the commission which prohibited the filming or photographing of voting […]
Security Council secretary to resign if Ivanishvili bloc wins presidency
Giga Bokeria. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Giga Bokeria, Secretary of the Security Council, says he will leave the post if Georgian Dream candidate Giorgi Margvelashvili wins the presidential election. Margvelashvili on Wednesday told journalists that in case of a Georgian Dream victory […]
President Saakashvili signs constitutional amendments
President Mikheil Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The constitutional amendments which reduce the power of the prime minister have come into force, after the president signed a bill which was passed by parliament on October 4. The amendment is published on the website of the legal gazette, matsne […]
Georgian gov’t plans 12 mill USD in development of border areas
Davit Narmania. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Minister for Regional Development and Infrastructure says that investments in the amount of 20 million lari (USD 12 million) will be necessary to solve the problems locals are having who living in villages bordering with the Russian […]
Former Georgian defense minister detained for 40 days in France
Davit Kezerashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Former Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili, who was detained recently in France, has been placed in 40-day detention until his extradition request has been processed. According to French press, Kezerashvili was planning to travel to Albania from Nice […]
NATO envoy met Georgian Euro-integration minister
James Appathurai. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Alexi Petriashvili, Minister for Euro and Euro-Atlantic integration, yesterday met with NATO envoy James Appathurai, who recounted the meeting on his official Facebook page. “He made a clear, realistic and convincing case for why, if/when the upcoming […]
Georgian Dream tops list of party donations
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian Dream party in September received more than half a million lari in donations (about USD 350 000). In October, the amount of donations was only 1500 lari (about USD 900). Meanwhile, the party of Nino Burjanadze, the Democratic Movement, […]
Strasbourg to announce ruling in Georgia vs Russia next year
TBILISI, DFWatch–The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg next year will announce its ruling in a case Georgia has lodged against Russia concerning the deportation of Georgian citizens from Russia seven years ago. This was conveyed in a message from the […]
Former Georgian defense minister detained in France
Davit Kezerashvili was defense minister during the 2008 Russia-Georgia war. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A former Georgian defense minister has been detained in France. According to the Interior Ministry, Davit Kezerashvili, who served in President Saakashvili’s government, was detained on Monday in France in a joint operation between Interpol’s Paris […]
Prison minister meets family of dead prisoner
Sozar Subari. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prison Minister Sozar Subari Monday arrived in Senaki, in western Georgia, to visit a family whose son is said to have committed suicide in prison. It was the demand of the father of Goga Dzvelaia that he wouldn’t bury his son until Subari […]
Ivanishvili to name successor first week of November
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian PM Bidzina Ivanishvili promises to name his successor in the first week of November, after the presidential election. In an interview with Channel 1 on Monday, he said that people will know who the candidate for new prime minister is in […]
Ivanishvili says Georgia might boycott Olympics
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishivli says that ‘if it becomes necessary’, Georgia will refuse to take part in the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympics, but that more time is needed to make a decision. The PM said this during an interview on Channel 1’s […]
Saakashvili gives citizenship to 3000 Georgians in Turkey
President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili says he will grant Georgian citizenship to 3 000 more Georgians living in Turkey. Saakashvili was visiting the town Sakaria and the village Nusetie on Monday to meet with ethnic Georgians. He recalled that a few weeks […]
Saakashvili’s party leaves the inter-agency commission
Minister of Justice Thea Tsulukiani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The National Movement party has left the inter-agency commission, which controls election processes in the country, as a sign of protest. UNM members claim the commission chairman, Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani, said at a closed session meeting […]
No confirmation of claim Adeishvili is in Hungary
Zurab Adeishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–It is unknown in Georgia whether former Justice Minister Zurab Adeishvili is in Hungary and whether he was appointed as advisor to the Hungarian president. What is known is that Giorgi Sabanadze, the former chairman of Tbilisi Development Fund, […]
Several rallies in Georgia to protest against Russian occupation
Sabina from Sweden performing in Tbilisi Sunday. (DF Watch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A number of protest rallies and events were held in Georgia last weekend to protest against Russian occupation and Georgia’s participation in the Sochi Winter Olympics. On Saturday, there was a rally outside the government offices in Tbilisi, where […]
One man dies in mining accident
A Tkibuli mine. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A 33-year-old has worker after a shaft ceiling collapsed following a micro blast in the coal mine in Tkibuli, a town in western Georgia. According to Valeri Kukhalashvili, Director General of Sakhnakhshiri GIG Ltd, which owns the coal mines […]
Police operation claims two lives, four wounded
TBILISI, DFWatch–One police special unit employee died during an operation to apprehend a man suspected of burglary. The suspect also died in the shooting. According to the Interior Ministry, employees of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti regional police department […]
Three detained at Bakradze campaign rally
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Three former political prisoners were detained in Batumi on Saturday during a campaign rally for Davit Bakradze, the presidential candidate for the National Movement party. Jimsher Kurtskhalidze, Jemal Buadze and Merab Gorgadze were taken away from […]
Saakashvili urges gov’t to continue large scale projects
Mikheil Saakashvili, President of Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili asks the new government, which took power a year ago, to continue large projects started under him. Saakashvili, speaking after an awards ceremony for a TV show on Friday, said a new prognosis by the […]
Georgian finance minister disputes IMF’s reduced growth prognosis
Nodar Khaduri, Finance Minister of Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government of Georgia disagrees with a prognosis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicating that Georgia’s economic growth will experience a further slowdown. Finance Minister Nodar Khaduri said Friday that the government has been […]
Ex-official wanted in Georgia given asylum in EU
Giorgi Sabanadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A court in Italy has released the former chairman of Tbilisi Development Fund, which means he won’t be extradited to Georgia. Lawyers of Giorgi Sabanadze informed journalists that the reason he won’t be extradited is that he has received […]
Georgia preparing Interpol search for jihad video suspect
TBILISI, DFWatch–Interior Minister informs that very soon Interpol will issue a red alert for the search for the man suspected of uploading two videos to Youtube threatening jihad against Georgia. The ministry is preparing the necessary documentation to send […]
Tbilisi City Hall to buy apples from conflict zone
TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Hall plans to purchase apples from villages close to the Russian-controlled territories. The plan is the initiative of the Mayor of Tbilisi, and the goal is to help people living in the conflict zone who otherwise would be left without an income […]
Georgia will not open election precinct in Russia
Davit Zalkaniani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–There will not be opened election precincts in the Russian Federation for Georgia’s presidential election on October 27. Davit Zalkaliani, First Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, told journalists that there are a number of difficulties involved when […]
Georgian fruit and vegetables to be exported to Russia
TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia will allow export of Georgian fruit and vegetables to its market. Shalva Pipia, Minister of Agriculture, said Thursday that a document has been signed by the parties which lifts all restrictions on Georgian export of nuts, grapes, apple, pea, […]
Farmers demand payment for wine grapes
TBILISI, DFWatch–More than 100 farmers demand to be paid for grapes they delivered to the wine maker Shildi. Two days ago, the farmers rallied outside the plant demanding their payment immediately. They told journalists that many of them should be paid thousands […]
IMF expects growth to slow down in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWatch–The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded its prognosis for Georgia’s economic growth this year from 6 to 2.5 percent. In the beginning of 2013, IMF assumed Georgia would have 6 percent growth, but then reduced the prognosis to 4 percent […]
Georgia Security Council deputy resigns
Batu Kutelia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The deputy secretary of Georgia’s National Security Council, a former ambassador of Georgia to the United States, has resigned. Batu Kutelia did not comment about his resignation, but Tamar Kintsurashvili, the second deputy secretary of the Security […]
Russia’s South Ossetia fences now stretch 35 km
The barbed wire bundles in Dvani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The length of barbed wire and fences along the delineation line with the breakaway region South Ossetia is now 35 kilometers. Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze says 65 Georgian families have been affected as result of the installation of barbed wire […]
Boycott Sochi petition has gathered over 8000 signatures
Paata Zakareishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A petition calling for Georgia to boycott the Sochi Winter Olympics has gathered over 8000 signatures. The petition was started by local non-governmental organizations. ISFED and Transparency International Georgia do not exclude that there will […]
Georgia to join NATO Response Force in 2015
Anders Fogh Rasmussen. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia will join NATO Response Force (NRF) in 2015, NATO’s Secretary General says. At a monthly press conference, Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that from next month the alliance will conduct a major exercise in Poland and the Baltics states. […]
Georgian candidates on the campaign trail
Presidential candidate Nestan Kirtadze wants free natural gas for people near the conflict zone. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Less than three weeks left before the presidential election in Georgia, candidates are busy conducting their election campaign. Davit Bakradze, the candidate for the National Movement, on Wednesday met with people in the Racha region. He opened a new […]
Dead prisoner’s body examined, no trace of violence
TBILISI, DFWatch–The family of Goga Dzvelaia, a 16-year old who died in a cell in Kutaisi prison a few days ago, has conducted an independent examination of the body. It was conducted by Maya Nikolaishvili, who did an external examination of the body and took photos. […]
Ivanishvili turns down request for Security Council session
Georgia’s National Security Council. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s prime minister has refused to participate in a session of the country’s National Security Council. In a written statement the PM and the speaker of parliament write that they believe attending the session will be like ‘participation […]
Saakashvili: Minister must be held to account for prisoner death
Andro Barnovi, head of the president’s administration. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A 16-year old prisoner has died in Prison No 2 in Kutaisi, Georgia’s second largest city. Preliminary information indicates that it was a suicide, but the teenager’s family calls it a murder. According to the Prison Ministry, the deceased was brought […]
Georgia tops media freedom list in Eastern Partnership
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia tops a new survey of media freedom among those eastern European countries that are not members of EU but associated through the Eastern Partnership. The report is called Media Freedom Index in Eastern Partners Countries and was presented in Moldova […]
Audit Office claims found further violations by Burjanadze’s party
Nino Burjanadze says her party will cooperate with the Audit Office. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The State Audit Office has again asked for documentation about the financial activity of presidential candidate Nino Burjanadze’s party. The Audit Office monitored the election campaign for two month between July 1 and September 9 and found […]
Petition calling on Georgia to boycott Sochi Olympics
TBILISI, DFWatch–A petition launched today in Georgia demanding to boycott the Sochi Olympics has quickly gathered more than 1500 signatures. The petition, which originates in Tbilisi’s NGO circles, appeals to Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, Sports Minister Levan Kipiani […]
Russia faults seven Georgian wine producers
Levan Davitashvili, head of Georgia’s National Wine Agency. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia has refused to let seven Georgian wine producers export 28 types of wines to the Russian market ‘due to non-compliance with hygienic standards.’ The official website of the Russian consumer protection agency Rospotrebnadzor published a list […]
Two tourists found after rescue operation
Two Israeli tourists who got lost in the mountains have been rescued. (police.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch–Rescue workers have recovered two tourists from Israel who were lost for two days in a mountainous part of Georgia. According to the Interior Ministry, the tourists were discovered in Mestia, Svaneti. They left from the village Janbeshi toward the village […]
Burjanadze wants to punish ‘creators’ of 2008 war
Nino Burjanadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Nino Burjanadze, presidential candidate for Democratic Movement, on Monday presented her election program. Burjanadze explained that the program contains all important areas for the country’s development, and foreign and domestic affairs. […]
Change of prosecutor in Akhalaia case, again
Prosecutor Ia Darjania asked to be taken off the Bacho Akhalaia case because of family connections. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–There has twice been a change of prosecutor in the case against former prison minister Bacho Akhalaia for the 2006 prison riot. Prosecutor Ia Darjania on Monday asked the judge to replace her, because she cannot make independent decisions […]
Georgia weighing for and against participation in Sochi Olympics
TBILISI, DFWatch–News that a military pilot declared a hero by Russia for his service in the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008 will be torch bearer for the Sochi Winter Olympics has caused a strong reaction in Georgia. The announcement has increased […]
Poti port closed due to storm
Poti. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Four a fourth day, the port in Poti on the Black Sea has been closed for ships due to a storm. According to local media, the unloading of ships has been in progress for the last few days, but fifteen ships which should have arrived have been turned […]
Russian 2008 war hero to be Olympic torch bearer
TBILISI, DFWatch–One of the first Olympic torch bearers for the Sochi Olympics will be Ivan Nachaev, who Russia has granted status as hero for his participation in the Russia-Georgia war of August 2008. According to Russian media, Nachaev is a pilot, whose plane was […]
Saakashvili reelected UNM leader, presents new party banner
The new National Movement party banner. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The National Movement in Georgia Saturday voted to keep Mikheil Saakashvili as party leader, and to change the party symbol to set it off from the national flag. UNM’s symbol, a five-cross flag, was made the national flag in January 2004 following […]
Poll confirms Ivanishvili coalition’s lead
A Greenberg, Quinlan, Rosner poll confirms that Giorgi Margvelashvili is likely to win the presidential election. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A new party poll ordered by the president’s administration shows that 43 percent of Georgians support the Georgian Dream coalition’s candidate for president, while 22 percent supports the National Movement candidate. The poll, which was conducted […]
Soon leaving, Ivanishvili looks ahead to the next twenty years
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Ivanishvili claims he has fulfilled all the plans he had for the first two to three years after going into politics, and now moves on to the next stage: plans for the next 20 years. Ivanishvili said this during a campaign stop Friday […]
15% more visitors to Georgia in September
TBILISI, DFWatch–15.1 percent more visitors came to Georgia in September 2013 compared to same period last year. According to Interior Ministry, 507 082 persons visited the country in September, while 4 075 600 visitors came to Georgia in the first nine months of the […]
State money siphoned off in construction of new parliament
The pillars of the new parliament in Kutaisi. (Pirveli.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The investigative service of the Finance Ministry has charged the director of the company that built the new parliament in Kutaisi with appropriation of a state money. According to the Investigative Service information, March 17, 2010, Meno International […]
Georgia reduces power of National Security Council
Giga Bokeria. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s governing coalition may reduce the powers of the National Security Council and the council secretary to bring legislation in line with the constitution. Constitutional amendments which were passed by the National Movement party when it was […]
Georgia got help from US in jihad video investigation
Interior Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Minister of Interior Irakli Gharibashvili says Georgia received assistance from the US in the investigation about the so-called jihad videos, and the government is preparing to announce an international search for the suspect through Interpol. […]
Ivanishvili’s won’t visit the US as prime minister
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says he will not manage to visit the US before he leaves politics. He said during a meeting with journalists on Wednesday that the visit should have been held in November, but ‘probably it won’t take place.’ […]
Saakashvili pardons 18 000 probationers
People queued outside the president’s palace to apply for a pardon. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Saakashvili has pardoned about 18 000 people on probation or already finished serving their sentence. The president signed a decree which has been sent to the appropriate bodies in order to be enforced. Andro Barnovi, head of the […]
Saakashvili doubts veracity of government’s jihad video theory
Andro Barnovi, spokesperson for President Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A spokesperson for President Saakashvili says his administration distrusts the theory presented by the government today about who was behind the jihad threat video, claiming the ministry is telling lies in an attempt to assure people that the case can […]
Ivanishvili debated journalists in live broadcast
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili debating journalists Wednesday. (Ivanishvili’s Facebook page.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili held a televised round table discussion with Georgian journalists on Wednesday. The debate turned into a squabble as the PM demanded answers about things the journalists have written. After a similar TV debate […]
EU spokesman: Georgia will not join the Eurasian Union
Boris Yaroshevich. (Civil Service Bureau.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A spokesman for EU’s delegation to Georgia says although Russia has increased its pressure on Eastern Partnership countries, there is no risk that Georgia will join the Eurasian Union, because the Georgian government’s stance is clear. In 2010, the […]
Candidate numbers assigned in Georgian election
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Central Election Commission in Georgia has assigned which number each candidate in the October 27 presidential election will have on the ballot-paper. Three parties have retained the numbers they had in the previous election, a privilege afforded […]
Plan to bar Georgians from leaving country put on hold
TBILISI, DFWatch–Lawmakers in Georgia have retracted a bill to make it possible for authorities to bar Georgians from leaving the country without specifying the reason. MPs Irine Imerlishvili and Zurab Abashidze said they were revoking the bill in order to improve it, […]
NATO and EU concerned about Russian borderization
Anders Fogh Rasmussen. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and EU’s foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton express concern about the recent actions by Russian soldiers who are expanding the de facto border around the breakaway region South Ossetia and installing […]
Russia was asked about Georgian occupation at PACE
Member of parliament Tina Khidasheli. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russia avoided questions about the occupation of Georgian territory during a debate of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. Georgia’s delegation was not given an opportunity to ask questions. Speaker for the Russian […]
Saakashvili warns against Russian moves to take lands in west
President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili claims Russia is planning to put the Baku-Supsa pipeline, Ganmukhuri and other territories in the Samegerelo region behind barbed wire. Saakashvili said Tuesday that he believes the moving of barbed wires and fences […]
One man is detained for ‘jihad videos’ against Georgia
Minister of Internal Affairs Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Interior Minister Irakli Gharibashvili on Tuesday provided details about a several month long investigation into two jihad videos posted on Youtube a few months ago with threats against Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan. His comments were a response […]
Georgia’s economy grew 1.1 percent in August – estimate
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s estimated real GDP growth rate amounted to 1.1 percent in August 2013. For the first eight months of 2013, the same figure was 1.6 percent, according to Georgia’s National Statistics Department, GeoStat. GeoStat’s monthly rapid estimates […]
EUMM concerned about South Ossetia borderization
The razor wire block in Dvani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The EU Monitoring Mission to Georgia Tuesday expressed concern about the installation of barbed wire by Russian soldiers in the villages Dvani and Ditsi at the border line around the breakaway region South Ossetia. Toivo Klaar, the new head of EUMM, […]
Groups to study Georgia’s prisoner abuse
The release of the videos shocked Georgians one year ago. TBILISI, DFWatch–Local and international human rights organizations are to examine the footage of prisoner abuse, one year after it created a firestorm of criticism in Georgia. A handful of videos were leaked to the media by a former prison guard less than two weeks […]
53 election precincts abroad for Georgian election
TBILISI, DFWatch–53 election precincts will be open at locations abroad for Georgians there who want to vote in the presidential election on October 27. According to the Central Election Commission, the highest number of precincts will be in Greece […]
Preparations continue for Georgia-Turkey 154 kV transmission line
Energy Minister Kakhi Kaladze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A new 154 kilovolt transmission line will be built between Georgia and Turkey. Energy Minister Kakhi Kaladze and Nikolay Nikolov, Vice Director of Energo-Pro Georgia signed the memorandum of understanding Monday. A memorandum was first signed in 2009, […]
Protesters set up wire block outside Ivanishvili’s house
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The organization Droa protested outside Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili’s business center Monday evening, installing barbed wires at the entrance. Police prohibited them from blocking the road with wires, so they placed them on the side walk. […]
Abkhazia and South Ossetia will not take part in Olympics
TBILISI, DFWatch–The two Georgian breakaway regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia will not take part in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics as independent nations. Georgia’s National Olympic Committee has received a letter from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) […]
Man doused himself in gasoline in Tbilisi
Frustration with a dire economic situation drove the man to attempt to set himself on fire. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A man attempted to set himself on fire at a protest rally in front of Tbilisi City Hall on Monday. Pouring gasoline over himself, the man said he has nothing in this world and there is no point in living. Protesters and police managed to stop him and took […]
Best Georgian wine harvest in decades
Grapes harvested in Georgia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–81 companies have received and produced the highest amounts of grapes for decades, according to the Agriculture Ministry: 80 097.6 tons of grapes have already been processed this season. Last year, the number was 52 000 tons. Of Saperavi, one of the […]
Tbilisi displays divided views of Saakashvili’s legacy
Many were pleased with the speech President Saakashvili held at the UN recently. (Saakashvili’s Facebook page.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili was given a hero’s welcome at Tbilisi airport Sunday, but outside the old parliament building protesters burnt an effigy of him. A crowd greeted Saakashvili as he arrived at the airport on Sunday night. They said that the […]
76 prisoners released early
TBILISI, DFWatch–67 prisoners were released on Saturday on recommendation of the commission for early release, according to the Prison Ministry. 14 of the released prisoners are women. The ministry says the commission has reviewed about 300 cases and […]
Georgian journalists rally at border village
Georgian journalists rallied against Russian occupation Saturday. (Maestro.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian journalists Saturday rallied in Dvani against the newly restarted work by Russian soldiers to reinforce a de facto border with the breakaway region South Ossetia. Locals say the Russian soldiers are going to move the razor wire perimeter 50 […]
Georgia to increase police powers
TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia is looking to increase police powers. Police will no longer have the right to stop and search people on ‘reasonable doubt’, but will have powers to do ‘special police control’, which according to the government’s […]
New law will bar some Georgians from leaving the country
Irina Imerlishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian citizens may be barred from leaving the country because of state interests, and may not even be able to know the real reason for it, even by going to court. Members of the Georgian Dream coalition, who are the authors of the draft bill, say […]
Georgia considers fining insufficient knowledge of language
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is pondering the creation of a language inspection which will fine domestic media and public officials up to five thousand lari (nearly USD 3000) if they show lack of knowledge of the state language. The bill is still in the process of being prepared, but […]
Russian helicopter spotted over border village
TBILISI, DFWatch–A military helicopter was seen Friday flying over the village Dvani, where Russian soldiers are reinforcing the de facto border with barbed wire blocks and fences. The allegedly Russian military helicopter was filmed on video. The Ministry of Interior […]
Ivanishvili: border reinforcement has to do with Olympics
Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says the moving of the border line near the villages Ditsi and Dvani is connected to security around the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympics. His comments were made on Wednesday while meeting economic analysts at his business […]
Saakashvili met Anders Fogh Rasmussen
Anders Fogh Rasmussen and President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili. (Saakashvili’s Facebook page.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili met with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen in New York, within the frames of the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to the president’s press office, Saakashvili spoke with Rasmussen […]
70% increase in administrative fines
TBILISI, DFWatch–Fines issued by the police for administrative violations have increased by 70 percent in the first six months of 2013 compared to last year. According to the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI), which obtained official data […]
Two attempts to bring drugs into prison
TBILISI, DFWatch–Prison Ministry employees in Georgia have disrupted two attempts to bring drugs into a prison in Tbilisi. According to the ministry, the father of a prison came to Prison No 8 with a parcel. When the prison employees opened the parcel, there was […]
20 years since end of Abkhazian war
Government officials at the heroes memorial. Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili (center). Defense Minister Irakli Alasania (right). (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Today, 20 years have passed since the fall of Sukhumi. The war in Abkhazia in 1992-93 ended after 13 months and 13 days. The war resulted in the death of about 6 000 combatants from both sides and about 20 000 civilians, and ended with the capture […]
Ivanishvili asks economic experts for advice
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili Wednesday sat down with a group of economic analysts to find out more about how they view the situation. The PM had brought along quotes from newspapers with statements made by the assembled experts to different […]
Ivanishvili has decided on who will be his successor
Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says he has already selected a candidate for his successor, which will be the most powerful person in Georgia. Ivanishvili said Wednesday he has made a choice between three candidates, but defers […]
Saakashvili rallies Eastern Europe against Russian imperialism
President Mikheil Saakashvili. (UN.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili Wednesday gave a speech at the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly. His address mainly dealt with the threat Russia in his view poses to Georgia and other Eastern Partnership countries. The Russian […]
NDI poll shows Georgian Dream will win the presidential election
Giorgi Margvelashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–39 percent of Georgians would like to have Georgian Dream’s candidate, Giorgi Margvelashvili, as their next president. 18 percent support Davit Bakradze from the United National Movement, according to a new survey by the National Democratic Institute […]
Merabishvili trial to start October 7
Vano Merabishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The main court hearing in the case of the former interior minister Vano Merabishvili and the Kakheti governor Zurab Chiaberashvili will start on October 7. The main defendant must remain in pre-trial detention until then, the court decided. Both of […]
Georgia extends maternity leave
TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia is extending maternity leave and increasing the amount of paid leave. Parliament Wednesday began a fast-track review of the new bill, which will amend the labor code; an initiative of the healthcare committee. With the new […]
Continued trouble at South Ossetia de facto border
Dvani. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Ossetians ask locals in the village Dvani to empty their storage rooms, which they claim are on South Ossetian territory. “Ossetian villager came to us yesterday afternoon, called us and required to empty storage rooms in two days, because the […]
NGOs highlight problems with voter registration
From left to right: Rusiko Machaidze, Keti Chachava, and Irina Putkaradze. (DFWatch.) TBILISI, DFWatch–DF Watch organized another round table discussion on September 18 about election. It was attended by the representatives of two local non-governmental organizations, and the purpose was to discuss problems in the election period and what steps have […]
Violations found in Burjanadze’s party
Nino Burjanadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The State Audit Office says it found violations in the financial declaration of the Democratic Movement party, the leader of which is presidential candidate Nino Burjanadze. According to the office, Burjanadze’s party recently started opening new […]
23 candidates in Georgia’s presidential election
TBILISI, DFWatch–23 people have registered as candidates in the upcoming presidential election in Georgia, according to the Central Election Commission. There were 54 applications, out of which 31 were rejected due to various reasons. 42 of the applications came from […]
Government downplays A, SO Olympic ‘recognition’
Davit Jalaghania. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Two government spokespersons in Georgia Tuesday sought to downplay the significance of a news report that the Georgian breakaway regions will take part in the Olympics as independent nations. Georgia was planning to send a note of protest after the […]
Obama had brief meeting with Saakashvili
US President Barack Obama and President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili. (Photo from Saakashvili’s Facebook page.) (Comments from Saakashvili added.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili Monday met with President Barack Obama in New York. The brief conversation too place at a civil society event in connection with the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly. […]
Georgians think government is doing important changes
TBILISI, DFWatch–According to the new survey of the National Democratic Institute, people think the government is making important changes for them, but do not like the prime minister’s decision about leaving his post. NDI’s survey of public attitudes, which was […]
Abashidze warns of risks with trading with Russia
Zurab Abashidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s representative in trade talks with Russia says there are considerable risks involved in entering that market. Zurab Abashidze, the prime minister’s special representative in Russian relations, nonetheless has a positive view of the […]
Georgia commits to peaceful means to solve border issue
Davit Jalaghania. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry says Georgia can only use peaceful and civilian methods against Russia’s action to move the border to the breakaway region South Ossetia. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Davit Jalaghania said on Monday that Russia […]
EU advisor: Georgia must stop looking back into the past
Thomas Hammarberg. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–EU’s Special Advisor Thomas Hammarberg asks the government of Georgia to not politicize investigation of former officials and says Georgian society must stop looking back into the past and instead think about the future. Hammarberg, who is EU’s […]
Saakashvili visits the US
TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili has left for the US to go on a working visit and deliver a speech at the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The president will also hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of different countries, […]
At least 60 houses flooded in Georgia
TBILISI, DFWath–Heavy rain on Saturday flooded more than 60 houses in Kakheti, a region in eastern Georgia . Rivers burst their banks and water flowed into the first floors and basements in the village Kistauri, in the Akhmeta region. Water destroyed home equipment […]
Russian soldiers move South Ossetian border 600 meters
TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian soldiers Sunday moved the border 600 meters into Georgian-controlled territory in the village Dvani, close to South Ossetia. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Russian soldiers started preliminary work to install wire fences, […]
Some challenges with EU’s simplified visa procedures
TBILISI, DFWatch–A new study shows that there are some challenges with the visa facilitation agreement Georgia has with the European Union. The agreement has led to a considerably simpler procedure for Georgians who want to travel to EU, as the number of documents […]
Ukraine extradites former official to Georgia
Oleg Melnikov. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Ukraine has extradited a former Georgian Interior Ministry official to Georgia. Oleg Melnikov was brought to Georgia Saturday morning. He was detained ten months ago in Ukraine after being subject to an Interpol search. Melnikov is charged with […]
Georgia’s economy is on the right track, says economy minister
Economy Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s economy is growing and will grow faster after the presidential election, the country’s economy minister said before the opening of a business forum on Friday. Saakashvili’s party, the National Movement, has frequently criticized the […]
Russia asks Georgia to extradite suspect in diplomat’s murder
TBILISI, DFWatch–A Russian citizen from Chechnya who was recently detained for a shooting in Batumi is a suspect in the murder of a Russian diplomat in Abkhazia. The information comes from the de facto General Prosecutor of Abkhazia. According to Russian media, the […]
US concerned about Russian border activity in contested region
TBILISI, DFWatch–The United States expresses concern about Russian soldiers installing wire fences at the South Ossetian border. A statement issued by the US Embassy to Georgia on Friday on instructions of the Department of State says the US is concerned with […]
Border reinforcement brought up at Georgia-Russia talks
Zurab Abashidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The recent border reinforcement work by Russian soldiers near South Ossetia was one of the topics at the fourth round of bilateral talks between Russia and Georgia in Prague Thursday. Georgia was represented by the Prime Minister’s Special […]
Suspect in Batumi shooting wanted for diplomat’s murder in Abkhazia
TBILISI, DFWatch–A Russian citizen who was detained for shooting a cop in Batumi is suspected of murdering a Russian diplomat in Abkhazia on September 9. According to Russian channel NTV, Yusuf Lakayev is suspected of murdering the Russian envoy to the breakaway […]
Gigantic hydro power dam given a green light in Georgia
The Khudoni dam will lead to forced resettlement of 800 people and destruction to the environment and historic sites. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A public discussion on Thursday about the construction of a new hydro electric power station in Svaneti led to a physical scuffle between supporters and opponents. The reason for disagreement was Khudoni power station, a mega project that was […]
Two talk show hosts dismissed from the Public Broadcaster
Eka Kvesitadze and Davit Paichadze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Public Broadcaster has dismissed Channel 1 talk show hosts Eka Kvesitadze and Davit Paichadze. The two journalists claimed at a press conference on Wednesday that their dismissal, which they learned about the day before, was politically […]
Georgia defines ‘immoral behavior’ in public
Deputy Interior Minister Levan Izoria. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Ministry of Internal Affairs has defined the meaning of ‘immoral behavior’ in public places, a crime punishable with a fine of 200 lari (USD 120). ‘Immoral behavior’ is defined as actions which show disrespect to others, including sexual type […]
Bomb hoax update: two schools and a bank evacuated
TBILISI, DFWatch–Wednesday there were two more false bomb reports in Georgia. The target of one of the hoax calls was the central office of Bank of Georgia. No bomb was discovered. An adult was apprehended and may be risking up to three years in jail. The other […]
Russian soldiers cease border activity
TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian soldiers have halted the installation of wire feinces in the border village of Ditsi near South Ossetia. According to the Interior Ministry, the situation is now peaceful in Ditsi, while police are continuing to patrol and the village. […]
Russian border work is continuing, Georgia protests
TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian soldiers are continuing to install wire fences along the border with South Ossetia in the village Ditsi. The fence now run a few meters from the house of the Beruashvili family. But locals say the three houses, which it seemed might end up on […]
Olympic Committee lists Abkhazia and South Ossetia as countries
TBILISI, DFWatch–The public broadcaster in Georgia on Tuesday reported that the Russian Olympic Committee has listed Abkhazia and South Ossetia as separate countries to take part in the winter Olympics in Sochi in February. “This is very unpleasant precedent and we […]
Bomb hoaxes continue in Georgia, tougher punishment introduced
TBILISI, DFWatch–The TV station Maestro was evacuated twice on Tuesday, as Georgia is increasing the sentence for making false terrorism reports from three years to five years in jail. The government explains that it is doing this after the many false bomb reports […]
Georgia issues appeal about Russian border activity
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry appeals to the international community to take measures in order to prevent illegal actions by Russia in the conflict zone. The appeal comes in response to reports about new activity by Russian soldiers on the […]
Russian soldiers begin border work, locals resist
Russian soldiers have restarted work along the de facto border around South Ossetia in the village Ditsi. Locals say three houses are in danger of ending up on the other side, inside Russian-controlled territory. A few months ago […]
Russian suspect in Batumi shooting on Sochi ‘dangerous persons’ list
TBILISI, DFWatch–A suspect detained for a street shooting in Batumi on a list of 88 persons considered a security threat to the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. The list presents persons who are allegedly involved in extreme activities and terrorism, and includes Yusuf […]
Abashidze-Karasin meeting to take place Sept 19 in Prague
Zurab Abashidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze, will meet with the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia, Gregory Karasin, in Prague on September 19. Abashidze said Monday that they will discuss issues like export of Georgian product to Russia, cultural issues, and transport. “We will discuss these issues on the level of ideas […]
Foreign trade turnover on same level as in ’12
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s foreign trade turnover was reduced by 0.1 percent in the first eight months of 2013, compared to the same period in 2012, according to new figures from Georgian National Statistics Department, GeoStat. The preliminary foreign trade data […]
More hoax bomb calls in Tbilisi, TV buildings evacuated
TBILISI, DFWatch–The wave of bomb hoaxes continued in the Georgian capital Tbilisi on Monday morning, with first a call about a bomb in the parliament building in Kutaisi and in the building of Imedi TV. Both of the threats turned out to be hoaxes, but both buildings […]
Georgia to simplify impeachment procedures
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is considering simplifying the procedures for impeaching some holders of high office. Apart from the president, the change will apply to the head of the Supreme Court, members of government, the general auditor of the State Audit Office and […]
Georgia’s lawmakers consider taking a break to campaign
TBILISI, DFWatch–The parliament in Georgia is considering suspending work in October before the presidential election on October 27. Zviad Kvachantiradze, MP from the ruling Georgian Dream coalition, on Saturday told journalists that the parliamentary majority agreed […]
TV studio in Georgia evacuated after bomb threat
TBILISI, DFWatch–On Sunday the TV studios of Rustavi 2 had to be evacuated because of a bomb threat. This is the fifth bomb threat in four days in Tbilisi. The live Sunday night show Post Scriptum was interrupted when the host, Davit Kikalishvili, said there was […]
OSCE’s Krivokapic visiting Georgia
Ranko Krivokapic. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The President of the Parliamentary Assembly of OSCE, Ranko Krivokapic, is visiting Georgia for three days, starting Monday. Krivokapic, who is also the Speaker of Parliament in Montenegro, will hold meetings with government officials and members of […]
Direct foreign investments in Georgia grows 3% in Q2
Direct foreign investment 2011-2013. Preliminary data. (GeoStat.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Direct foreign investments in the second quarter 2013 was USD 232 million, according to preliminary information. This is three percent more than in the first quarter and seven percent more than it was in the second quarter of 2012. According to […]
Campaign event in Zugdidi goes ahead without violence
National Movement presidential candidate Davit Bakradze addressing supporters in Zugdidi Sept. 11, 2013. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–On September 11, the National Movement’s presidential candidate David Bakradze rallied supporters in Zugdidi while representatives of Defend Georgia gathered for an anti-UNM demonstration. Unlike the events of July 20, there was no violence against […]
Shooting incident in Batumi, three wounded
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Three men were wounded in a shooting in Batumi on Friday night. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the incident began as a Russian citizen started shooting at the police. Ministry spokesperson Nino Giorgobiani said on Saturday that the […]
Switzerland signs visa agreement with Georgia
Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze and Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter. (Panjikidze’s Facebook page.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia and Switzerland has signed an agreement about simplifying procedures for the issuing of visas between the two countries. Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze signed the agreement during a visit to her Swiss colleague Didier Burkhalter, according […]
Should media be allowed to film inside election precincts?
Zakaria Kutsnashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s inter-faction group to oversee the election asks the Central Election Commission (CEC) to lift restrictions on the media in election precincts. Former head of CEC Zurab Kharatishvili last year enforced restrictions on where journalists […]
Saakashvili grants citizenship to Georgian Turks
Manana Manjgaladze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili Friday granted Georgian citizenship to almost 1000 Turkish citizens. According to the president’s administration, the reason for the decision is that all the persons concerned know Georgia and for practical purposes they […]
Russia and South Ossetia to sign border agreement
Vladimir Putin. (Official Kremlin photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued an order to sign an agreement with the de facto government of South Ossetia about the ‘state border.’ The order instructs the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs to hold negotiations with the de facto […]
Merabishvili appears in court in Kutaisi, cracks jokes
Vano Merabishvili in Kutaisi City Court Thursday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s former Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili on Thursday appeared in City Court in Kutaisi in an extensive criminal trial. Merabishvili is charged in several different cases, including the violent dispersal of protesters on May 26, 2011. […]
Three bomb hoaxes in Tbilisi, TV studios, airport evacuated
The terminal building at Tbilisi international airport was emptied of people and flights delayed. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Thursday there were three more false bomb reports in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi. Two TV buildings and Tbilisi international airport were evacuated, but no bombs were found. A number of flights were postponed because of the evacuation of the airport. […]
Saakashvili classified documents to cover up crimes: Ivanishvili
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili asks President Mikheil Saakashvili to release secret documents. One of the documents concerns the TV station Imedi. The PM says he is ‘shocked’ by all the material which is classified as top secret, as ‘crime […]
US looking forward to cooperating with Georgia’s new leaders
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Thomas O. Melia. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Thomas O. Melia says the United States is looking forward to cooperating with the new prime minister and president of Georgia. Thomas O. Melia, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Democracy, Human […]
Saakashvili’s party not allowed to air TV commercials
The commercials claim Georgian Dream has broken its promises. (Frame from UNM’s commercial.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Public Broadcaster has turned down the National Movement party’s request to place free election commercial on its channels. According to a statement by the UNM, the party provided six commercials, one of which was about the ‘unfulfilled […]
Georgia’s CEC selects new chair
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Central Election Commission in Georgia Wednesday chose Tamar Zhvania as new chair. Zhvania previously worked on election issues at UNDP. She received the votes of all six of the commission members. President Mikheil Saakashvili on Monday […]
Georgia had 28% more visitors in August compared to ’12
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia had 28.2 percent more visitors in August 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, according to the Interior Ministry. The ministry every month publishes data about visitors. There are three categories of visitors: tourists, transit travel […]
Third century ruins discovered in Tbilisi
(DFWatch photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Ruins of what may have been an ancient palace were discovered on Monday in the old part of Tbilisi. Archeologists Merab Dzneladze and Levan Latsabidze said the ruins may date back to the fourth or third century AD, going by the architectural style, […]
Third team of Russian quality experts to Georgia Sept 16
Levan Davitashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A third team of Russian experts are coming to Georgia on September 16 to check the quality of wine and mineral water. The experts come from the consumer protection agency Rospotrebnadzor and will check approximately 30 Georgian wine […]
EU expert team to evaluate Georgia’s visa action plan
TBILISI, DFWatch–The EU Commission is sending a team of experts to Georgia in mid-October in order to evaluate the implementation of the action plan for visa liberalization, according to Georgia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. This was the outcome of […]
Zourabichvili loses appeal
Salome Zourabichvili (right). (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Appeals Court in Georgia Tuesday upheld a decision by the Central Election Commission (CEC) to not allow Salome Zourabichvili to register as a presidential candidate. Zourabichvili earlier lost an appeal in Tbilisi City Court. The CEC’s decision, […]
Georgia opens new customs facility on border with Russia
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The customs checkpoint at Kazbegi, on the border between Russia and Georgia, was opened on Tuesday after a year of construction work. Finance Minister Nodar Khaduri told journalists that new checkpoint help boost Georgia’s export. […]
Tbilisi Air Show displays SU-25 and L-39
Sukhoi SU-25 “Frogfoot” at Tbilisi Airshow Monday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Alexander Kartvelishvili Air Show was held in Tbilisi on Monday, with a display of Sukhoi SU-25 “Frogfoot” and the Aero L-39 Albatros. The first air show ever in the Georgian capital was held at the air field at the plane factory Tbilaviamsheni, […]
Saakashvili names three candidates for new CEC head
President Mikheil Saakashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, has presented three candidates for head of the Central Election Commission (CEC). Saakashvili’s proposed candidates are Tamar Zhvania, Manuchar Gamkrelidze and Konstantine Amirajibi. The candidates were […]
NATO and Georgia hold joint military exercise
TBILISI, DFWatch–NATO on Saturday held a joint exercise with Georgia’s coast guard in Batumi. According to the Interior Ministry, three mine sweepers arrived in Batumi on Friday. The aim of the exercise was to demonstrate and test the existing mechanisms […]
Saakashvili completes conquest of Mount Kazbegi
President Saakashvili and his team on Mount Kazbegi. (President’s Facebook page.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Mikheil Saakashvili continued his walk on Mount Kazbegi with one of the leaders of the Russian opposition, Andrey Ilarionov. The Georgian president wrote about his trip on his official Facebook page. “Who said we would not climb up […]
Russian diplomat shot in Abkhazia
TBILISI, DFWatch–The first secretary at the Russian embassy in Abkhazia, Dmitry Vishernev, was Monday morning shot and killed in Sukhumi, the capital of the breakaway region. According to Abkhazian and Russian media, Vishernev was shot in the morning […]
Georgia to sign Association Agreement with EU by spring
Georgia’s Prime Minister meets with the Polish Foreign Affairs Minister (official photo) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says Georgia will sign an Association Agreement with the EU ‘by spring’, according […]